Golden Boy - Web Comic

I found this little gem by accident as I was trawling through webcomicsnation.com looking for some new material to post about. To be honest I don't know why I even looked at it as it's not what I'd consider my genre of interest but as i read through the first few pages I was hooked. The story went in a totally different direction than i was expecting and by the time I reached the end I was . . . . . . . . I might just leave it there and let you make up your own mind on the web comic. Here's how the creator describes it. "Golden Boy is about Cole "Golden Boy" Parker, a retired boxer who has lost his way into a lonely life. A violent encounter with a young criminal causes Cole to change his life back to when he was happy, when he was a champion."

The Writing
I didn't know too much about the creator of this webcomic "Max Riffner" but much of the story feels very real as if he's pulling it together from life experience or from events he's read or heard about somewhere. I'm in no way saying he's ripped it off though. It's a really good story that would make an excellent movie. In fact it does remind me of the Wrestler Movie from a couple of years ago in term of it feel and atmosphere. For me I feel like the story was over too soon. I feel it could have run and run. The character were interesting and the plots were deep, but i guess that's just how life goes sometimes. . . You're gonna need to read it to know what I'm talking about. I've since been a checked out Max's website and found that Golden Boy is only the tip of the iceberg of his creative talents(Links are below).

The Art
I'm not going to say too much about the art as all I seem to say about webcomics art is that the art is not so good at the start but gets better as it goes on. What I will say about it is that I do love the use of colour throughout the story. Its sometimes very subtle and sometime very full on. It worked for me. The Use of photos to establish location was also a nice touch

Updates
Completed so no more updates.

Links
Golden Boy Web Comic
Max Riffner's Website

Recommended if you like. . .
Criminal, From death til now, Gran Torino, The Wrestler

Artist Showcase - Emmanuel Francisco JR

Emmanuel Francisco Jr is a name that I think we'll be hearing lots over the next few years. He's a really talented up an coming artist I watch over at DeviantArt. His gallery over there is filling up nicely with loads of awesome pieces of art. You'll see some of my faves in this post.

His art style is influenced by many of the greats in the industry but he's developing his own unique style allowing his personality to flow into the art.

To find out a bit more about "MannixFrancisco" (His DeviantArt ID) read this quick Q & A below and don't forget to visit him on DA and let him know I sent you.

What first got you into comic books?
Early on as a little kid I was a big fan of those Saturday morning cartoons featuring the Superfriends, Spiderman, the Hulk or Captain America. But I was first exposed to the comics version when a classmate of mine in fourth grade brought Superman comics to school. I was hooked instantly. Soon after that I started going to the old comic bins in the local second hand bookstore because I couldn't afford new comics. Being eleven years old can do that to you. That's where I discovered the X-men, the Teen Titans, the Dark Knight, and of course, Wolverine. It was also around that time that I started paying attention to the writers and artists.


Who is your favourite comic book character?
I'm more of a fan of characters done by a particular artist. I love Spiderman done by Todd Mcfarlane and Humberto Ramos, Moon Knight done by Dave Finch and Stephen Platt, Wolverine done by Marc Silvestri, Death Dealer done by Frazetta, and the X-men done by Jim Lee. But, of course, there are characters that are just too cool looking regardless of who draws them, like Batman, Spawn, and Withblade.



Who are your major artistic influences?
The first artist I really idolized was George Perez, and I still do. His attention to detail influenced the way I do my art today. Then I discovered the Filipino artists during the Filipino invasion of the 70's. I was astounded by the level of quality these guys did. Totally ahead of their time. Artists like Alex Nino, Alfredo Alcala and Nestor Redondo. Also round that time I discovered and was influenced by Frank Frazetta. Then there's the Image founders, who changed the face of comics in the 90's. Soon came Stephen Platt and Joe Madureira. And I have to say Nicky Manabat. The attention to detail that I learned from George Perez was raised to another level when I first saw Nicky Manabat. Nowadays, I only have eyes for David Finch.

What comics do you currently read?
I'm currently following two books religiously--Invincible and Walking Dead. I also bought the first issue of Guarding the Globe, might continue that. I was looking forward to the new Wetworks miniseries but now that Wildstorm's closing down, it might not come out anymore.

What are you currently working on?
I'm on the early stages of a new miniseries, but I'm not yet allowed to divulge the details. All I can say is, it's gonna come out in France, it's got a high-tech, militaristic theme to it, and it's ultra-violent. I'm loving every minute of it. Nice to do something different from all the spandex-clad super-heroes I did in the past. Hopefully I can post some art soon. So stay tuned.

What is your dream project?
My dream project would be doing Cyberforce and World of Warcraft. I also want to finish Battle Chasers, the first Cybernary series, and Soul Saga. I just love sci-fi and fantasy. In the superhero genre, it would definitely be Batman.

To see more of Emmanuel's work visit his DeviantArt here.

The Replacements - Web Comic

I stumbled across this web comic just floating around on Comixpedia. and I'm so glad i did. It was a great read and a fantastic find. Now I'm sure some of you will have already read this comic as it was fist posted online way back in 2003. This might be considered a Golden Age webcomic(wow epic fail on humour there). Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this and read it in one sitting. I hope that you enjoy it too and if you've read it before then go back and check it out again. you wont be disappointed.

The Writing
There is a nice flow to this comic. as each of the main characters are introduced you simply accept them. The heroes are pretty typical. There's a reluctant hero, a full on wanna be hero and a robot who appears to be John Wayne. What more could you want. . . OK how about a villain hell bent on revenge for being jailed for years and years so he just want the whole world to suffer. What about cool evil henchmen with robot arms or hook chains for eyes. I can top that too. How about lots of other dimension monsters ripping up stuff and causing mayhem. This comic has all that and more.

The Art
The art has a manga-esque feel to it with a touch of cartoon goodness. Not normally my cup of tea but it does suit this story. Its black and white but don't let that put you off as many of the best webcomics are. The action scenes work well and the quiet moments are well paced. The art is by Sara Turner and Jerzy Drozd.

Updates
Completed so no more updates.

Links
The Replacements
Jerzy Drozd's Website
Sarah Turner's Website

Recommended if you like. . .
Magellan, Tin Tin, Hero By Night, The Front etc

Artist Showcase - Guile Blackpanther

Time for another artist showcase. Now this guy is an artist I've been watchin (not in a pervy way) on DeviantArt for a while. I think he is an artist who is destined for very big things and the sooner Joe Q at marvel realizes that there is not anyone who can touch his spiderman art the better. He draws Spiderman better than almost anyone I've seen with the exception of maybe McFarlane. His art style has a hint of European flavour to it, maybe becuase he's a frenchman. Much of his artwork reminds me slightly of Olivier Coipel but only in terms of stylistic similarities he is in no way a clone. Anyway I sent Guile and email and he answered the question below to give a liittle insight into his work and comic tastes.

What first got you into comic books?
I don't remember exactly, but I think I was maybe 4 when my uncle was reading me the adventures of Spidey in his french translated comicbooks! It was the first contact and love at first read!

Who is your favourite comic book character?
Spider-Man (No surprises here)

Who are your major artistic influences?
Nowadays, I would say Olivier Coipel, Leinil Yu, Jim Cheung, Stuart Immonen and Mike Mignola.

What comics do you currently read?
A lot of Marvel comics, some DCs and independant comicbooks, no mangas

What are you currently working on?
Videogames character designs, advertisements and working on my own comicbook stuff when I got spare time!

What would be your Dream Project?
Amazing Spider-Man or Thor, then my own comibook

To see more of Guile's work visit his DeviantArt here.

Jesus Christ: In the Name of the Gun - Web Comic

Ok. Now for a little web comic that may or may not get me grief from some religious types. Before I go any further please be aware that i did not draw or write this webcomic, so aim your anger over there at the heretics who have created this abomination. I do however find it thoroughly entertaining and this it should be made mandatory as part of any modern religious education curriculum(ha). Jesus kicks some serious ass in this violently hilarious webcomic. Imagine Bruce Campbell running around in a tabard with a beard and a wrist mounted time machine.

The Writing
I find the flow of this online strip just perfect. There is enough detail played out to keep you interested in the bigger picture but the main focus, so far, seems to be on the all out action and terrific one liners. Some of the gags are genius. I won't go too much into the story but here is my take on it so far. Jesus (The son of God) Christ has decided that the way history has panned out is a bit shit. so he sets about fixing things. Now to do this he's gonna need to be able to travel through time to certain points in history and right the wrongs that he sees as being done. Want to know more? Of course you do so go read it.
Eric Peterson has crafted an enjoyable and, as it continues, a very intriguing story which is fast becoming one of my favourite webcomics.

The Art
So far there is one complete volume with the second volume well underway. The art in the first story arc is by Ethan Nicolle who's art is of the cartoony variety. It does work well with the fantastical plot of the comic and where it needs to be it can be dark and powerful. I get a slight tang of Robert Crumb in this art, which is very cool. The Artist on the second volume is a guy called Ryan Cody. Now I'm familiar with Ryan's work as I follow his art on his Deviant art site, so I'm already a fan. Ryan's art is nice and simple. He has an amazing skill with blacks with his art reminiscent of Paul Grist creator of Jack Staff and Kane.

Updates
Normally twice per week

Links
Jesus Christ: In the name of the Gun
Ethan Nicolle Website
Ryan Cody Blog

Recommended if you like. . .
Battle Pope, Preacher, Jack Staff, etc

Gunnerkrigg Court - Web Comic

This is an amazing web comic that chronicles the happenings at GunnerKrigg Court.
The character development throughout this masterpiece is so good you'll be in love with all the characters within the first few chapters.
The main focus of the story centres around Antimony "Annie" Carver, a child with unique gifts that allow her to talk to dead people, who's parents both went to Gunnerkrigg years earlier.
There are obvious comparisons to the Harry Potter books with regards to the setting and basic initial premise but in my opinion the character development in this world is far superior to what JK Rowling did with the Potter books. (Hope that comment does not open me up to a barrage of abuse from Potter fans)
So many different themes run through this story, there are magical themes, scientific themes, religious themes, fantasy themes and they all seamlessly meld together to create a fantastic story which i find myself desperate to read every day.
I don't really want to say much else about it as the comic itself is the best way of finding out more.

The Art
As is the case with most webcomics the art really develops over the course of the story. Tom Siddell has really grown as an artist over the course of the comic. With over 28 chapters now online it's wonderful to watch Tom develop as he develops the story.

Updates: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Links
Gunnerkrigg Court Web Comic

Recommended if you like: Harry Potter, Melody, Bone

Regular Updates resume??

Been off the grid for a while.

I've still been finding and reading lots of new Web Comics and over the next few weeks I'll be starting to showcase the ones that I feel are worthy of your attention.

There's quite a lot been happening in the world of Web Comics over the past year. The launch of smart phone comic reading apps have made access to mainstream comics in a digital format nice and easy.

Since i got my Iphone I've been keeping up with a few gems from Comixology and IDW. Marvel has also launch it's own Comic reading app powered by Comixology. Lots of excellent stuff to check out and it's all relatively cheap(some are free but mostly just samplers and first issues).

I've been reading lots of online comics and keeping up to date with many of the ones I've previously posted about.

Freakangels has been going strong since I first showcased it in Feb of last year. Its now on to the 5th volume and is definitely worth a read. Warren Ellis is a master storyteller and the art just gets better and better.This week's update is an excellent jumping on point. (Original Blog Post)

Questionable Content is still updating focusing on the lives of Martin, Pintsize and the gang. This is the online comic version of "Friends" but much more geeky and funnier. (Original Blog Post)

Acrobat continues to impress with fun superhero stories that have excellent character development and artwork that gets stronger and stronger. The Comic is now also available from CrankyOctopus.com which seems to be faster than Drunk Duck for image downloads and has other equally good web comics for your reading pleasure. (Original Blog Post).

Anyway more to come soon. I have some some really fantastic web comics to tell you about and I'm looking forward to turning you on to them.

As always if you are the creator of a web comic that you'd like showcased here please drop me a line. Likewise if there is something that anyone of you is reading that you feel I should be too. let me know.

Later

Nth

The Guns of Shadow Valley - Web Comic

Do you like Cowboys? I do. How about cowboys with superpowers? Yup, me too?

The Guns of Shadow Valley is an amazing online comic set in the old west(at least i think it is, it may be set on an alien world or something. Time will tell).The cast of well developed characters are instantly likable with just enough intrigue about them to keep you interested. Without giving too much away about the story, not that much can be given as we are still in build up mode, the story seems to centre around Sheriff Bill Dawson and a Super fast Gunslinger by the name of Frank "Breakneck" Kelly. The Sheriff is putting together a Posse to do something in Shadow Valley and Frank is coerced into joining. . . There much more than that happened but I'm not into spoiling a really good story.

The Writing
This is written well. The characters are quickly defined by the dialogue and action giving you an instant feel for each of the new ones introduced. As with all good stories you are presented with various questions about character motivations, back story and hidden agendas but its written is such a way that you can get a feel for each of the character within their first few lines of dialogue or their first actions. I originally came across this online comic last year and although I liked it there was not enough for me to justify a feature on here, but now. . oh boy its groovy

The Art
The art in this online comic is a wonder to behold. The colour scheme that the artist uses is perfect for setting the tone, feel and firmly establishes a rustic, wild west platform which allows the beautifully drawn characters to stand out and jump of the page. the backgrounds are both detailed when required and sparse/barren when the story calls for it. The art goes a long way to making this story work.

Updates
Tuesdays and Thursdays

Links
Guns of Shadow Valley Online Comic
David Wachter (artist/co-writer/co-creator): www.davedrawscomics.com
James Andrew Clark (co-writer/co-creator): www.jamesclark.net

Recommended if you like. . .
Sin Titulo, Preacher, High Moon, Clint Eastwood Cowboy Movies etc.